Stoke sign Ashley Williams on season-long loan from Everton

The Wales skipper joins the Championship side in their bid to bounce straight back to the Premier League

Stoke have signed defender Ashley Williams on a season-long loan from Everton.

The Wales skipper joined the Toffees from Swansea in 2016, but has slipped down the pecking order at Goodison Park following the arrival of Marco Silva in June.

Williams becomes Gary Rowett’s sixth summer signing as Stoke aim to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Boss Rowett told Stoke’s official website: “We have two very good senior central defenders in Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi, but I felt it was important we brought in another experienced player to add to the competition for places.

“Having spoken to Ashley he feels like he has a point to prove and has a real hunger. He knows many of our players, knows what we’re all about as a club and will fit straight in to our culture.

“He has gone for big money in the past and had a fantastic a career so far and experience in that position can be key because it can help you read the game.”

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